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United States Patent |
6,141,530
|
Rabowsky
|
October 31, 2000
|
System and method for digital electronic cinema delivery
Abstract
A novel system and method for secure electronic delivery of motion pictures
in digital format to many end users simultaneously. In particular, the
system comprises a headend system and a theater system. The headend system
comprises a baseband processing system which receives analog cinema film
as input, a storage system which receives digitized cinema files from the
baseband processing system, a radio frequency transmission system which
communicates cinema and data files to and from various users as a radio
frequency bit stream, and a management system which controls transmission
and storage of cinema and data files. The theater system comprises
transmission line interfaces at theaters designated to receive cinema and
data files from the headend system, receiver-decoders which receive the
radio frequency bit stream and produce decoded cinema and data files at
baseband, storage playback systems which stores cinema and data files
until needed, secure projector systems which playback cinema files, an
automation/scheduling system which directs playback of cinema files in the
secure projector systems as authorized by the management system, and a
reverse channel which provides data back to the headend system from the
theaters. A preferred version of the present invention further comprises a
creator/editor's system which allows authorized viewing and editing of
cinema files by creators and editors. The creator/editor's system provides
capability for editing and baseband processing of cinema files at remote
locations, and transmits edited cinema files back to the headend system.
Inventors:
|
Rabowsky; Irving (Woodland hills, CA)
|
Assignee:
|
Digital Electronic Cinema, Inc. (Los Angeles, CA)
|
Appl. No.:
|
094615 |
Filed:
|
June 15, 1998 |
Current U.S. Class: |
725/116; 348/436.1; 709/217 |
Intern'l Class: |
H04H 001/00 |
Field of Search: |
455/3.1,4.2
709/217
348/436,13
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
5133079 | Jul., 1992 | Ballantyne et al. | 455/4.
|
5412416 | May., 1995 | Nemirofsky | 348/10.
|
5515107 | May., 1996 | Chiang et al. | 348/473.
|
5519435 | May., 1996 | Anderson | 348/8.
|
5546118 | Aug., 1996 | Ido.
| |
5583562 | Dec., 1996 | Birch et al. | 348/12.
|
5696560 | Dec., 1997 | Songer | 348/436.
|
5729279 | Mar., 1998 | Fuller | 348/8.
|
5795046 | Aug., 1998 | Woo | 353/69.
|
5801754 | Sep., 1998 | Ruybal et al. | 348/13.
|
5828403 | Oct., 1998 | DeRodeff et al. | 348/7.
|
5920626 | Jul., 1999 | Durden et al. | 380/10.
|
5924013 | Jul., 1999 | Guido et al. | 455/3.
|
5924039 | Jul., 1999 | Hugenberg et al. | 455/454.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
0554724A1 | Aug., 1993 | EP.
| |
0884908A2 | Dec., 1998 | EP.
| |
WO95/26103 | Sep., 1995 | WO.
| |
Primary Examiner: Faile; Andrew I.
Assistant Examiner: Huang; Sam
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly, LLP.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for delivery of digital electronic cinema to a plurality of
users including theaters, comprising:
a headend system comprising a baseband processing system which receives
analog cinema film as input, a storage system which receives digitized
cinema files from the baseband processing system, a radio frequency
transmission system which communicates cinema and data files to various
users including theaters as radio frequency bit stream, and which further
communicates data from said users, and a management system which controls
transmission and storage of cinema and data files;
a theater system comprising transmission line interfaces at theaters
designated to receive cinema and data files from the headend system,
receiver-decoders which receive the radio frequency bit stream and produce
decoded cinema and data files at baseband, a storage playback system which
stores cinema and data files until needed, and a secure projector
including a decryptor for playing back encrypted cinema files;
an editor's system which allows authorized viewing and editing of cinema
files, wherein the editor's system provides capability for editing and
baseband processing of cinema files at remote locations, and transmits
edited cinema files back to the headend system.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the editor's system comprises a second
receiver-decoder which decompresses motion picture image files which were
compressed using lossless or lossy compression algorithms, a high capacity
storage playback system, and a workstation for reviewing and editing
cinema files received from the headend system.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the editor's system transmits edited
cinema files back to the headend system utilizing a subsystem comprising a
baseband processing system, a modulator/tuner, and a satellite uplink
transmission system.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein edited cinema files transmitted by the
editor's system are received by a headend subsystem comprising a satellite
downlink system, a demodulator, a receiver-decoder, and stored in the
storage archiving system.
5. A method for delivers of digital electronic cinema, comprising the steps
of:
transferring a motion picture image to a digital signal in a digital format
which is of substantially the same visual quality as the motion picture
image in its original form; and
transmitting the cinema in the digital format, wherein the cinema is
received by a plurality of end users according to a security scheme, and
the step of transmitting the cinema includes allowing authorized viewing
and editing of cinema files by creators and editors at remote business
locations.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention concerns delivery of motion pictures for exhibition.
Specifically, this invention relates to a system and method for secure
electronic delivery of motion pictures in digital format to many end users
simultaneously.
2. Description of the Related Art
The current method of delivery of motion pictures for exhibition is to take
the original film negative and make duplicate film prints in quantity
sufficient to meet the schedule of exhibition. For each motion picture
there are potentially many thousands of exhibitors worldwide. After many
prints are made, they are distributed to the exhibitors via transportation
means such as trucks. Each print is then installed into an
optical-mechanical film projector which displays the print on a movie
screen.
This conventional delivery method suffers from several disadvantages.
First, there are many opportunities for piracy (unauthorized copying) due
to the fact that many prints are made and distributed, and the film owner
has, as a practical matter, little control over the prints after they are
distributed. Second, the prints are expensive to make as they require
costly photochemical lab processes and print stock. Third, conventional
transportation means such as trucks are expensive, and may require several
days or even weeks to complete a delivery cycle. Fourth, keeping track of
the prints is extremely burdensome. Fifth, editing of the film after
release is costly due to the cost of making new additional prints, and the
logistics of distribution. By contrast, digital electronic cinema files
are easily edited using computer technology. In addition, a digital
electronic cinema may be customized to audience preferences, be provided
in several versions with different MPAA ratings, and restricted
geographically or by other criteria.
What is needed is a technology focused on the of delivery of motion
pictures to theaters electronically, completely changing the delivery
system presently employed by the motion picture industry from its present
photochemical-mechanical technology to an entirely new digital electronic
technology.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention satisfies this need by providing studio
distribution/exhibition and ancillary markets with a complete end-to-end
integrated delivery/display system for secure digital electronic cinema.
In particular, the system of the present invention comprises a headend
system and a theater system. The headend system comprises a baseband
processing system which receives analog cinema film as input, a storage
system which receives digitized cinema files from the baseband processing
system, a radio frequency transmission system which communicates cinema
and data files to and from various users as a radio frequency bit stream,
and a management system which controls transmission and storage of cinema
and data files.
The theater system comprises transmission line interfaces at theaters
designated to receive cinema and data files from the headend system,
receiver-decoders which receive the radio frequency bit stream and produce
decoded cinema and data files at baseband, storage playback systems which
stores cinema and data files until needed, secure projector systems which
playback cinema files, an automation/scheduling system which directs
playback of cinema files in the secure projector systems as authorized by
the management system, and a reverse channel which provides data back to
the headend system from the theaters.
A preferred version of the present invention further comprises a
creator/editor's system which allows authorized viewing and editing of
cinema files by creators and editors. The creator/editor's system provides
capability for editing and baseband processing of cinema files at remote
locations, and transmits edited cinema files back to the headend system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred version of a headend system
embodying the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a preferred version of a theater system
embodying the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a preferred version of a tiling arrangement for a
projector system embodying the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a preferred version of a creator/editor's
system embodying the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The overall system architecture of the present invention comprises three
main systems. Referring to FIG. 1, the first system is the Headend System,
which performs baseband processing and storage of digitized cinema files,
radio frequency transmission of cinema and data files to various users,
and management of cinema files and databases. Referring to FIG. 2, the
second system is the Theater System, which comprises transmission line
interfaces at theaters designated to receive cinema and data files,
receiver-decoders, storage playback systems, secure projector systems,
automation/scheduling systems, and a reverse channel which provides data
back to the headend from the theaters. Referring to FIG. 4, the third
system is the Creator/Editor's System. This system, which allows
authorized viewing and editing of cinema files by creators and editors,
includes many of the same subsystems as the Theater System. However, the
Creator/Editor's System further includes subsystems which provide
capability for editing and baseband processing of cinema files at remote
locations, and allows transmission of cinema files back to the headend.
A. Headend System
1. Baseband Processing and Storacie of Digitized Cinema Files
The present invention utilizes the existing film capture production process
up through the completion of the original camera negative. The first step
is to input the negative into a high resolution film scanner which
digitizes the negative picture element (pixel) by picture element. This
digitization retains all of the information of the original camera
negative, so that the digital representation can be used for archiving and
multi-generation editing. The present invention accommodates all the
various film formats and aspect ratios, including but not limited to 8
millimeter, 16 mm, and 35 mm film formats, and 1.33,1.37, 1.66, and 1.85
aspect ratios.
The digitized original camera negative file is then compressed utilizing a
lossless compression technology. This ensures that the motion picture
image can be efficiently archived without loss of any information. By way
of example but not of limitation, if a compression ratio of 6 to 10 is
used for this lossless compression, then 0.3 to 0.5 terabytes are required
per hour of movie for storage with archival quality.
In a preferred version of the present invention, the original camera
negative film is converted into a digitized format. Because of the ever
present problem of piracy, the digital motion picture image file is
encrypted before transfer to the digital electronic cinema headend. The
digital motion picture image file is decrypted before being processed by
the lossless compressor.
Audio may be recorded in analog or digital format, and is available from
magnetic tape masters or optical or magnetic tracks on the film. Sound
tracks may recorded for each speaker of multi-speaker theatrical systems.
For example, in a preferred version of the present invention involving a
16 speaker theater system, capacity for 16 audio channels is allocated
utilizing a 64 KHz sampling rate and a dynamic range of 20 bits per
channel, that is, 1.28 mbps per channel. Thus, for 16 channels the real
time transmission or storage requirement is 9.2 gigabytes per hour. To
prevent piracy, security must be provided for analog audio masters and the
digital audio masters. For that reason, the digital audio files are
encrypted
The audio archiving system in a preferred version of the present invention
provides capacity for storage of multiple languages as required. For
example, a multiplex theater exhibitor may have two screens, one with
English audio, and a second with Spanish audio. Audio is normally archived
uncompressed, as significant artifacts are created with even modest
compression.
A file server controls the flow of files to and from the previously
described elements as well as a Distribution Archiving Storage System. The
file server includes the following functions:
1. Encryption of the lossless motion picture image file and the digitized
audio file under direction of a Conditional Access System (described
below), if required.
2. Management of storage of the motion picture image and audio files,
together with all timing and program associated data, onto the archiving
storage system.
3. Playback of the stored cinema files from the archiving storage system.
4. Decryption of the cinema files into lossless motion picture image and
audio files.
The distribution archiving storage system stores a number of lossless
motion picture image files and audio files and is able to playback on
demand motion picture image and audio files. Safeguards such as 1:1
redundant fail safe protection can be included. Due to practical
limitations on the amount of available storage capacity, at any given time
the headend will only store in the distribution archiving storage system
the cinema files to be distributed over a period of several weeks.
Therefore, system design includes choosing a period of time in which each
motion picture is to be archived at the headend, and a method for
disposition of the file when the storage/distribution period ends.
A long-term archiving storage system is required by the motion picture
industry to preserve original, contribution quality digital cinema files
for use by future exhibitors or historians. A preferred version of the
headend provides this capability. The long-term archiving storage system
retains a copy of every digital electronic cinema motion picture image and
audio file in the form of lossless compressed digital motion picture image
files. All cinema files are stored, in encrypted form, in a fail safe
storage system. To provide user access to the long-term archiving system,
a Web page, for example, may be used as a user interface.
Upon retrieval from an archive, each motion picture image file is
decompressed. Then, to facilitate distribution, lossy compression is used
to provide a compression ratio of, for example, about 100:1, resulting in
a compressed motion picture image file, which can be transmitted utilizing
a much lower bandwidth then would otherwise be required without lossy
compression.
The audio file is compressed utilizing, for example, DTS or MPEG Advanced
Audio Coding (AAC) algorithm. The AAC algorithm provides efficient coding
of monaural, stereo, and multichannel audio. The AAC can achieve reduction
of audio files by a factor of 10:1.
In addition to the audio and motion picture image files, program-associated
data and conditional access information, such as authorizations and
messages to and from exhibitors and users, are either retrieved from the
archiving system, or received from the distribution management system
(described below).
After lossy compression, the motion picture image, audio, and data are then
forwarded to the multiplexor which packetizes the incoming bit streams,
and forms the packets into a serial multiplexed bitstream similar to, for
example, the format of the System Layer of MPEG2. Each packet in the
bitstream is then encrypted with a very powerful encryption algorithm. One
technical approach to encryption is to utilize an encryption technology
such as triple Data Encryption Standard (Triple DES) which uses a 112 bit
key. An alternate approach is to use the Digital Video Broadcast (DVB)
standard, which has been widely adopted. The Conditional Access System
provides the instructions to the conditional access engine in the
multiplexor/encryptor, which in turn enables the encryptor. The output of
the multiplexor/encryptor is a secure bit stream, which is then input to
the modulator/tuner.
2. Radio Frequency Transmission
The specifications of the modulator/tuner depend upon the transmission
media chosen for distribution. One preferred version of the present
invention uses satellite transmission for distribution to theaters. The
following discussion is based upon this selection. However, alternative
transmission media such as microwave, coaxial cable, and fiberoptic cable
can be used for delivery of digital electronic cinema to classes of users.
At present, channel coding for satellite transmission of digital TV
utilizes QPSK modulation, with rate 1/2 to rate 5/6 convolutional coding
and Reed Solomon forward error correction. With these technologies the net
bits per symbol is about 1.7, and the coding gain is about 4.5 dB,
resulting in a threshold Eb/No at the receiver demodulator of about 5.5
dB. Recent advances in coding technology have led to an effort by many
companies to bring into production a 16PSK modulation, with rate 3/4
trellis code, thus achieving a net of 3 bits per symbol, and a coding gain
of about 6.6 dB. This new modulator design is predicted to achieve
equivalent receiver threshold of about 5.5 dB, but with over a one-third
reduction in occupied bandwidth. Thus a 96 Mbps modulator will require
about 32 MHz of bandwidth. Other channel coding techniques, well-known to
those skilled in the art, can be used in the present invention.
The tuner may provide, for example, a L Band output having a carrier which
is chosen to provide the authorized satellite transponder frequency after
upconversion by the upconverter module (which follows the tuner). The
carrier output frequency is electronically programmable, and is assigned
by the broadcast operations module of a Distribution Management System
(described below).
If a satellite transmission medium is used, the satellite uplink
transmission system may comprise an upconverter, an interfacility link
(between the modulator/tuner and the upconverter), a power amplifier, and
an uplink antenna. It is desirable to use small antenna "dishes" at the
theaters to avoid governmental regulation problems, security issues, and
construction and antenna costs associated with large dishes. For these
reasons, as well as C band frequency congestion problems, a preferred
version of the present invention uses Ku band link implementation, which
allows use of smaller dishes. However, due to the higher hourly
transponder costs and significantly higher rain attenuation of Ku band
links, other versions of the present invention may use lower frequency
links. The antenna dish sizes for the uplink and the downlink are chosen
based on the link reliability objective, and the power output of the
chosen high power amplifier. It is expected the antennas will be sized for
a reliability of 99.99% availability, resulting in a Ku band uplink
antenna size of about 7 meters in diameter, and a Ku band downlink antenna
size of about 1.2 meters.
In a Ku band uplink system, for example, an incoming L band signal from the
modulator/tuner, which is within the frequency band 950 to 1450 MHz, is
upconverted to the frequency band 14.0 to 14.5 GHz. The output of the
upconverter is amplified by a Ku band power amplifier. A four port
orthomode transducer is then used in conjunction with a switching system
to provide uplink capability in either right or left hand polarization,
together with the ability to receive the downlink signal for signal
monitoring and performance verification.
Uplink signal power level is electronically controlled to provide automatic
modification of uplink power during uplink rain fades. The objective is to
keep the uplink signal strength constant at the input to the satellite
transponder receiver. If the uplink signal uses an entire transponder, a
transponder with automatic level control is preferred. The electronics
modules of the uplink system preferably have 1:1 redundancy and
automatically switchover should a failure occur, as directed by a monitor
and control system.
In a preferred version of the present invention, an inbound data channel
enables either the headend to receive responses to inquiries from the
exhibitor, such as for playback information, security status, or theater
module performance status. The headend also can receive confirmation of
inputted data such as authorizations, entitlement modifications, or
financial or administrative messages. Additionally, the exhibitor can use
the data link to make inquiries of all kinds, update information, provide
statistical information, and to pay for services electronically. The
inbound data lines provide the headend with the ability to receive data
and messages from not only the exhibitors, but also the studios,
suppliers, financial institutions, and other entities which need technical
and/or administrative data interfaces with the headend.
Another inbound channel may be provided for reception of cinema files from
a Creator/Editor's System (described below), which allows authorized
viewing and editing of cinema files by creators and editors. The
Creator/Editor's System includes subsystems which provide capability for
editing and baseband processing of cinema files at remote locations, and
allows transmission of cinema files back to the headend. After cinema
files are received by the Headend System from the Creator/Editor's System,
they are generally stored in a Long-Term Archiving Storage System.
Sensitive data sent to the headend may be encrypted so that encrypted data,
as well as data which has not been encrypted, can be routed to its
destination address, acknowledged if applicable, and stored if
appropriate. An internal router is used to forward data to applicable
outbound transmission lines as required. The routing of technical and
administrative data is accomplished via a local area network (LAN) with
appropriate security safeguards, such as multi-level passwords and
firewalls to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Management of Cinema Files and Databases
Access to the electronic cinema program files is controlled by a
Conditional Access System (CAS) for the following reasons:
1. To ensure that only authorized playback of the files occurs.
2. To ensure that the terms and conditions of the contracts between
distributor, service provider, and exhibitor are enforced.
3. To ensure that the revenues derived from the playback of the files are
retrieved for the distributor and the service provider.
4. To prevent piracy of the files.
5. To ensure that the files in storage media cannot be accessed without
authorization and accountability.
6. To ensure that any other sensitive data or files cannot be accessed, or
altered, without authorization and accountability.
The CAS manages the flow of entitlements (authorization information), and
other information such as motion picture, audio, and data bit streams to
their destinations (for example, the theater receiver-decoder, storage,
and playback systems, the archiving storage systems, and through the
encryptors and decryptors). Entitlements originate in the Distribution
Management System (DMS), which contains a database on all the deal memos
between distributors, service providers, exhibitors, and other
subscribers, and contract information on any other services including any
conditional access requirements. The CAS also provides a very high level
of both physical and electronic system security to regulate the viewing of
files at the destination, and to eliminate the ability of pirates to
intercept files and view their contents.
The CAS comprises four subsystem which provide control, security, and
distribution of cinema and data files. These subsystems are:
1. Entitlement Management Center (EMC): receives the exhibitor/subscriber
data and cinema/data file access data (CAD) from the DMS. The EMC
constructs Entitlement Management Messages (ENM from this received data.
2. Entitlement Controller (EC): generates the following data packets which
provide entitlement instructions:
(a) An Entitlement Control Message (ECM) is created by combining the
cinema/data file access data with an authentication signature;
(b) An authorizing key (Control Word) is also created for each cinema/data
file, and delivered to the encryptor. The Control Word governs how the
file will be encrypted and later decrypted at the receiver-decoder. It is
not broadcast to the receiver decoder.
(c) In addition to creating the above data packets, the EC forwards the EMM
to the receiver-decoder.
3. Conditional Access Module (CAM): resides in the receiver-decoder, and
controls access to the incoming files. This module may, for example,
consist of an ISO Smart Card reader and a Smart card. The Smart Card
reader manages the exchange of information between the Smart Card and the
receiver-decoder. Upon receipt of an entitlement message, the Smart Card
reader verifies that the entitlement message is authentic, and then
compares the entitlement data in the received message with the entitlement
data resident in the Smart Card. If they match, the appropriate Control
Word is generated to be used by the decryptor to unscramble the
cinema/data file.
4. Callback capability: also may be provided to allow the receiver-decoder
to call the EMC, or the EMC to call the receiver-decoder. The EMC can
receive data back from the exhibitor/subscriber Smart Card. This data
includes exhibitor/subscriber identification, stored transactional
information such as number of playbacks, and equipment status reports. The
EMC may also call the receiver-decoder to deliver new data to the Smart
Card.
A Distribution Management System (DMS) manages the distribution of the
cinema and data files, and the flow of traffic and timely operation of the
various subsystems of the headend and the theater systems. Its major tasks
include:
1. Keeping a current and historical record of studio distributors,
independent studios, independent distributors, and exhibitors.
2. Keeping a record of deal memos, including a breakdown of all contract
requirements imposed on the service provider and the exhibitor.
3. Providing a Billing System which will provide financial analysis and
statements related to the financial terms of the individual deal memos.
4. Generating conditional access information which is delivered to the CAS
for further processing into Entitlement Management Messages, which are
used to enable the decryptor in the receiver-decoder.
5. Enabling the release of files from the Long Term Archiving Storage
System, including providing authorization information to the CAS, and
providing instructions to the Long Term Archiving Storage System to
playback files, or portions thereof.
6. Providing a Traffic/Scheduling System which provides scheduling
information to all Headend and Theater subsystems which must conduct timed
operations. This system also receives feedback from the Theater systems,
for example, as played information, requests to reschedule playback, and
other requests which require initiating new entitlement messages.
7. Providing an Automation System which receives the traffic/scheduling
information and then actuates the operational equipment as scheduled. Upon
initiation and completion of these tasks, the Automation System provides
timely reports back to the DMS.
8. Providing a Customer Service organization which provides a
customer-friendly interface, particularly for assistance of customers with
trouble-shooting problems and resolution of customer complaints.
9. Providing interactive data exchange between the DMS and the other
software systems.
The DMS contains sensitive data which must be protected from unauthorized
access. Therefore, the system includes multi-level password protection,
firewalls at data I/O ports, and sufficient redundancy of the hardware to
prevent loss of records.
A Cinema File Management System (CFMS) provides a database of all the
cinema files in the Headend, and at Theater locations. A database record
is created for each cinema file, with a separate record for each motion
picture image, audio, and associated data file. The record is expanded and
updated each time a cinema file is processed at the headend to include its
status, location, copies if any, type of processed file, and
modifications. A separate database is kept of all cinema files which are
placed in the Long-Term Archiving Storage System. This database includes
historical information on who, why, when, and what was accessed, and the
authorization information. The CFMS also keeps individual records of
cinema files stored in the Theater storage systems and the purging
thereof. The CFMS provides status reports on a routine basis, and
exception reports on an urgent basis when certain operations, such as
purging, fail to occur as scheduled. These reports are provided to the
DMS.
A Data File Management System (DFMS) serves a function equivalent to that
of the CFMS, except the files which are managed are non-cinema files.
These files could include data such as program associated files, data
describing a particular cinema, its production, and other historical data
concerning a cinema file which might interest an exhibitor or the cinema
audience. The data could include subtitles, teletext, special interest
information, and a myriad of other possible data transfers between the
service provider, distributor, and exhibitor. In some cases the data is
encrypted, in other cases it is not. The DFMS keeps records of all the
data files, their location, and historical information on the processing,
access and disposition of the data files.
A Web Page Management System (WPMS) provides an up-to-date web page, which
can be accessed via the Internet by external users with authority to view
a file stored in the Long-Term Archiving Storage System. The files stored
in the archive are encrypted and therefore security arrangements are
highly stringent. The WPMS provides the user with the ability to do a data
base search to identify a file of interest, and obtain a brief abstract
and other program associated data. The WPMS provides authorization to
users to allow viewing of files with proper security safeguards. For
example, an editor could be sent an encrypted copy of the file, which
could be read by the editor's personal receiver-decoder upon authorization
by the CAS. In this example, the DMS would provide the user entitlement
message to the CAS. The WPMS also provides administrative messages to
Customers and Vendors, and provides public relations messages to all other
interested parties.
B. Theater System
1. Transmission Line Interfaces
Cinema and data files can be delivered by a satellite communication link,
or terrestrial communication links such as microwave, coaxial cable, or
fiberoptic cable. If, for example, a satellite transmission medium is
used, the earth station transmission system may comprise a downconverter,
an interfacility link (between the downconverter and the
demodulator/tuner), and a downlink antenna.
In a preferred version of the present invention, a Ku band link is utilized
with a small antenna (dish) mounted on the roof of theaters. The dish size
is a function of the desired reliability of the transmission link from the
headend to the theater. For example, for programs which are delivered only
for storage on the theater storage system, link outage probability of
three hours a month may be reasonable. However, for real-time transmission
and presentation, a link outage during a performance would be
unacceptable, and thus it would be more acceptable to have a probability
of an outage of less than 30 minutes during a month. In general, dish size
is in the range of 1.0 meter to 2.4 meters in diameter.
The received signal of such a link is collected by the antenna and
forwarded to a low noise downconverter which converts the Ku band signal
to a signal in the 950 to 1450 MHz band. The low noise downconverter has
sufficient gain to allow an interfacility link coaxial cable to be run
from the antenna location to the indoor demodulator/tuner of the indoor
receiver-decoder.
An outbound data channel (reverse channel) is provided so that two-way data
communications can be established between the headend and the theater
system. An outbound channel can be used for many purposes including
sending inquiries, playback information, security status, theater module
performance, confirmations, electronic payments, and e-mail. Data packets
within the bit stream of an outbound data channel may be encrypted in
accordance with instructions from the CAS.
The outbound data channel can utilize satellite or terrestrial transmission
media. If, for example, satellite transmission is utilized, then a low
power uplink transmitter is provided. This uplink transmitter is
interfaced to a transmit port of the antenna. In a preferred version, the
uplink transmitter includes a medium power amplifier (0.5 to 2.0 watts),
an upconverter from the frequency band 950 to 450 MHz to the satellite
receive transponder frequency, and a modulator/tuner which receives
outbound (reverse) data from the theater system and provides a radio
frequency carrier, which is chosen to provide the authorized satellite
transponder frequency after upconversion by the upconverter module (which
follows the tuner). The carrier output frequency is electronically
programmable, and is assigned by the broadcast operations module of the
DMS.
2. Receiver-Decoder
A receiver-decoder comprises a tuner/demodulator, a system demultiplexor,
microprocessor/controller, and a Conditional Access Module (CAM).
In a system utilizing satellite transmission, for example, transmission may
be at 96 Mbps with 16PSK modulation and a 3/4 rate trellis code. This
provides a net of three bits per symbol at a symbol rate of 24 megasymbols
per second, and a coding gain of 6.6 dB. Other channel coding techniques,
well-known to those skilled in the art, can be used in the present
invention.
In a preferred version of the receiver-decoder operating in L band, a L
band tuner of the Tuner/Demodulator is tuned to a specific L band
frequency associated with a specific downlink satellite transponder. The
output of the tuner is demodulated to a baseband digital bit stream, and
then the FEC is removed. The resultant bit stream is an encrypted,
multiplexed bit stream containing audio, motion picture image, and data
information.
A system demultiplexor then separates the bit stream into its audio, motion
picture image, and data bit streams. The resultant bit streams are then
forwarded to the appropriate ports or interfaces under direction of a
microprocessor/controller.
A microprocessor/controller provides instructions which direct the
activities of all the I/O ports, and does all the housekeeping tasks
necessary to provide a functioning receiver-decoder. It may also compare a
user profile stored in receiver-decoder memory with an incoming data
message describing a specific user profile, and either accept or reject
the incoming bit stream. If the incoming bit stream is accepted as valid
for a particular receiver-decoder, then entitlement information is passed
to the Conditional Access Module for further processing. In addition, the
microprocessor/controller accesses the receiver-decoder memory which may
contain instructions and messages such as error messages. These messages
can be displayed locally or forwarded to the headend via the reverse
channel.
A CAM receives EMM and ECM data from the headend, verifies the authenticity
of the data, compares the data with stored information, for example, in a
Smart Card, and, if validity is established, generates a key word
necessary to enable the decryptor. In a preferred version of the present
invention, the key word is generated on a packet by packet basis. In this
case, each location which has an encryptor and/or a decryptor has an
associated receiver-decoder and a CAM. These locations include the Secure
Projector System, the Speaker System, and the User Data Channel. The key
word is transferred to the encryptor/decryptor in a secure environment.
For example, removal of the Smart Card or the CAM from the
receiver-decoder disables the receiver-decoder.
3. Storace Playback System
Each current authorized movie is stored in compressed and encrypted form in
a storage media. In a preferred version of the present invention, ganged
rewritable non-removable Raid hard drives are used. Other storage media,
well-known to those skilled in the art, can be used in the present
invention. The selection of the storage media is predicated not only on
capacity, redundancy, I/O ports, access time, throughput, and file
transfer rate, but also on the security needs of the system.
For example, the storage media may have over 150 gigabytes of storage that
can playback at a data rate of at least 8 megabytes per second. For
theaters with multiple screens, the storage media is sized to provide
storage for all cinema files.
An automation system (described below) delivers each cinema file to a
secure projector system at a time specified and authorized by the CAS.
Since movies are often transferred to different screens within a given
theater based upon audience size, the DMS manages such transfers upon
verification and authorization by local theater-generated instructions.
When a particular cinema file is projected for the last time, the storage
media is automatically erased and another authorized cinema file is stored
in its place.
4. Secure Projector System
The secure projector system comprises the following subsystems:
1. demultiplexor (demux)/motion picture image decryptor;
2. output port to forward encrypted audio to an audio distribution
controller;
3. motion picture image decompressor;
4. visual projector; and
5. interface with a CAM (there may be a separate CAM for each subsystem
that either encrypts, decrypts, stores, or forwards encrypted or
entitlement data).
In a preferred version, the projector system is designed so that decryption
of the motion picture image takes place within the projector with
sufficient security to prevent interception of the decrypted motion
picture image file. It is a sealed assembly which if opened not only
causes the loss of the stored cinema file, but also makes the projector
inoperable until serviced by an authorized field service technician.
The Demux/Motion Picture Decryptor receives encrypted files from local
storage, separates motion picture image, audio, and data files into
separate bit streams, then decrypts them and provides the outputs to the
data, audio and motion picture image decompression units.
Separate motion picture image and audio decompression units are employed.
In such systems, each decompression unit has sufficient programmability so
that a variant of ISOMPEG2 coding technology can be used at present, while
allowing decompression units to be upgraded to ISOMPEG4 and beyond in the
future. The ISOMPEG2 System transport layer may be employed to ensure that
appropriate synchronization is maintained between the audio and the motion
picture image.
Advanced Audio Coding(AAC), ISOMPEG4 Part 7, which currently provides the
most efficient 5.1 channel audio available, may be used as an audio coding
algorithm, although any other audio coding algorithms can be accommodated.
It is anticipated that in many theaters, more than five channels of audio
will be required, requiring multiple channels of AAC in multichannel or
stereo configurations. Other motion picture and audio coding algorithms,
well-known to those skilled in the art, can be used in the present
invention.
The projector is preferably designed to meet high quality projection
requirements for exhibition of 35 mm (or other) films. These requirements
may include display of approximately 8 million pixels for each of 24
frames per second, brightness for a 70 foot diagonal screen (approximately
6,000 lumens), and provisions to discourage camcorder piracy. A projector
technology which can meet these requirements is liquid crystal-based Image
Light Amplifiers (ILA). Other projection technologies, such as Digital
Mirror Devices (DMD), well-known to those skilled in the art, can be used
in the present invention. To achieve the feel of film, the images are
displayed one frame at a time (as opposed to video which writes one pixel
at a time sequentially). A two stage ILA device may be used. The output
stage is similar to existing ILA devices that can produce brightness
levels of over 6,000 lumens. In a preferred version, the writing stage of
the ILA utilizes transmissive LCD panels which provide the writing
function. Thin, single crystal LCD tiles typically are used. By way of
example, these are available in 1080 by 1920 pixels format. As is shown in
FIG. 3, four of these tiles can be used to provide a resolution of 2160 by
3840 pixels.
In this example, four LCD tiles are imaged onto the output stage of the
ILA, which serves as an optical low pass filter that eliminates seams
between the tiles in the output or observation space. Thus, no cracks are
visible to the observer. An embodiment of such tiling technology is
described in D. Mead, U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,035, incorporated by reference
herein. Transmnissive LCDs are preferably backlit by a light source which
is optically filtered to create the correct wavelengths for the ILA
photoconductive layer. Image data is read into the LCDs before they are
illuminated by the light source. The frame rate of the projector can be
varied pseudorandomly to inhibit camcorder piracy. This is described in D.
Mead, U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,454, incorporated by reference herein. Other
projector technologies, well-known to those skilled in the art, can be
used in the present invention.
A receiver-decoder and an associated CAM may be provided within theaters at
each location where decryption takes place (the Secure Projection System,
the Speaker Systems, and the User Data System). The receiver-decoder
forwards entitlement messages which are particular to each CAM, which then
generates the key word necessary for decryption.
5. Other Theater Elements
In theaters, the screen is the display for the cinema. The size, aspect
ratio, and the reflectivity of the screen must conform with the projector
output characteristics to provide an acceptable theater presentation.
Screen specification standards are established to provide assurance of
reasonable quality control.
An Audio Distribution Controller of a preferred version of the present
invention provides an encrypted digital output which is transmitted to
each speaker system. Other audio distribution technologies, well-known to
those skilled in the art, can be used in the present invention.
The transmitted encrypted audio signal is received by the speakers in the
theater. The speakers are physically mounted to provide a direct line of
sight from the secure projector system to the speaker systems. In the
theater audio system, each speaker system has an internal speaker, a
receiver-decoder, a CAM, a decryptor, and an audio decompression unit
which are physically secure to prevent piracy. The decryptor only decodes
audio packets directed to its associated speaker.
6. Automation/Schedulina System
Within the bit stream provided by the Headend to a specific theater is a
playback schedule. This schedule defines the authorized playback times for
each cinema file and for each screen in the theater. The
automation/scheduling system schedules these playbacks, and provides the
necessary machine control to automatically play the cinemas at the
scheduled times. It includes the scheduling and playout of all trailers.
A theater operator interface provides the operator with the ability to
modify the schedule, such as changing play times, and which screens are
showing which cinemas. Such changes require notification of the headend.
Changes which do not violate contractual terms are automatic, requiring
only a change in the distribution records. Changes which modify the terms
of an existing contract between Exhibitor, Distributor, and Service
Provider are verified and authorized by the DMS once accepted by the
parties to the contract. This interface also may provide a facility for
allowing theater operators to insert locally-generated materials such as
advertisements for local businesses.
7. Reverse Channel
A reverse channel provides data back to the headend and the
studio-distributor from the theater. The data includes status information,
as played information (actual times of playback), purges (erasure of
cinema files), trouble reports and error messages, diagnostic information,
and other messages related to the health and welfare of the theater
system. The reverse channel also may be used for administrative and
financial information. Since the reverse channel provides the theater with
a two-way data capability (utilizing the forward data transmission
capability of headend transmission system), interactive data applications
can be utilized to provide interactive experiences to theater audiences.
C. Creator/Editor's System
The creative process involved in producing a cinema is a collaborative
process between creators, editors and film processors. Once the original
camera negative is converted to a lossless digital file, editing and
review is simplified by utilizing powerful computer editing systems. As a
result, creators and editors require access to the long term archival
storage system so that they can retrieve specific files, perform editing
and review functions, and then place an authorized amended version of the
cinema file back in storage. Thus, a system must be provided to allow
authorized viewing and editing of a cinema file by creators and editors.
The requirement for this system adds additional security and distribution
management requirements to the overall system architecture.
As is shown in FIG. 4, many of the subsystems in the Creator/Editor's
System are similar to those of the Theater System. The Creator/Editor's
System comprises the following subsystems:
1. Transmission Line Interface
2. Tuner/Demodulator
3. Receiver-Decoder comprising a System Demux, a Microcomputer, Local
Memory, a User Profile, a Reverse Channel.
4. User Storage/Playback System
5. Reverse Channel Transmission Line Interface.
6. Demux/Motion Picture Decryptor
7. Motion Picture Decompressor
8. Audio Distribution/Decryptor
9. Conditional Access Module
10. Interface with Editor's Workstation
11. Motion Picture Compressor
12. Multiplex/Encryptor
13. Modulator-Tuner
14. Editor's Cinema File Management System, including interfaces with
Headend CFMS
Only the subsystems which are significantly different from those of the
Theater System are described in this Section. In particular, the following
subsystems are described below: User Storage/Playback System, Motion
Picture Decompressor, Interface with Editor's Workstation, Motion Picture
Compressor, and Editor's Cinema File Management System.
At the headend, a cinema file is retrieved from the long term archiving
storage system, upon authorization by the CAS, to forward that specific
file to a particular Creator/Editor's System. An encrypted cinema file is
then transferred from the Headend System to the Creator/Editor's System
via a transmission medium. The encrypted cinema file may be compressed
utilizing either lossless or lossy compression technology as described
previously. In addition, the audio file may be transferred uncompressed.
The Storage/Playback System of the Creator/Editor's System receives the
encrypted cinema file and stores the file. The cinema file may require up
to 1.0 terabyte of storage for each hour of storage capacity, since the
file may be delivered with lossless compression. The Storage/Playback
System provides the ability to forward all or portions of a stored cinema
file to the Editor's Workstation. In addition, the user can insert or
replace specific portions of a cinema file utilizing the Editor's Cinema
File Management System (ECFMS) (described below).
After the cinema file is retrieved from the Storage/Playback System and
decrypted, it is decompressed. The decompressor recognizes whether the
file is a lossless or lossy compressed file, and decompresses the file
accordingly. The resultant output bitstream represents a motion picture
with resolution of eight to twelve million pixel per frame.
A cinema file may be transferred to and from an Editor's Workstation under
the direction of the Editor's Cinema File Management System. A transfer is
made only after all security checks and authorizations are validated. The
Editor's Workstation provides the ability to view the motion picture at
full, or reduced resolution, and to make authorized modifications in the
motion picture file. It may also provide the ability to review and edit
the uncompressed audio file of the cinema.
When the work of the Editor is completed, and the edited file is to be
returned to the Long-Term Archiving Storage System, then the replacement
cinema file must be transferred to the headend under the direction of the
Cinema File Management System of the headend. In a preferred version of
the present invention, a replacement cinema file is compressed in the
Creator/Editor's System using the lossless compression technology
described previously. Cinema files may be transferred between Creator's
and Editor's Systems which are not physically located in the same place.
These transfers may be made utilizing the lossy compression technology
described previously. Thus, for example, the compressor may have the
ability to provide lossless or lossy compression as directed by the ECFMS.
The ECFMS provides a database of all the cinema files at a Creator/Editor's
System location. A data base record is created for each cinema file, with
a separate record for each motion picture, audio, and associated data file
of the cinema. The record is expanded and updated each time the cinema
file is processed in the Creator/Editor's System to include its status,
location, copies if any, type of processed file, and modifications. The
ECFMS provides status reports, requests for entitlements, and requests for
file transfer to the CFMS. The CFMS schedules the transfer of cinema
files, or portions thereof between the User Storage/Playback System and
the Editor's Work Station. It may also schedule the transfer of cinema
files or portions thereof between Creator/Editor's Systems. In addition,
the ECFMS provides instructions to the Automation System of the
Creator/Editor's System to activate machine control of subsystems, for
example disk drives, on schedule.
A separate data base is kept of all cinema files which are removed or
placed in the Long-Term Archiving Storage System. This data base includes
historical information on who, why, when, and what was accessed, and the
authorization information.
The ECFMS also keeps individual records of the Cinema files stored in the
Creator/Editor's storage systems and the purging thereof. The ECFMS
provides status reports on a routine basis, and exception reports on an
urgent basis when certain operations, such as purging, fail to occur as
scheduled. These reports are provided to the DMS.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the
art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention
disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be
considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the
invention being indicated by the following claims.
In the following claims, those claims which do not contain the words "means
for" are not intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C.
section 112, paragraph 6.
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